Skinput

TLDR

Skinput is a technology that uses the human body as an acoustic transmission medium to enable skin‑based input. Skinput locates finger taps on the arm and hand by analyzing body‑propagated mechanical vibrations captured by a novel armband sensor array, and its performance was evaluated in a two‑part study with twenty participants. The system offers always‑available, portable, on‑body finger input and demonstrates utility through multiple proof‑of‑concept applications.

Abstract

We present Skinput, a technology that appropriates the human body for acoustic transmission, allowing the skin to be used as an input surface. In particular, we resolve the location of finger taps on the arm and hand by analyzing mechanical vibrations that propagate through the body. We collect these signals using a novel array of sensors worn as an armband. This approach provides an always available, naturally portable, and on-body finger input system. We assess the capabilities, accuracy and limitations of our technique through a two-part, twenty-participant user study. To further illustrate the utility of our approach, we conclude with several proof-of-concept applications we developed.